London's Got Talent benefits single moms

Twelve finalists will be hitting the stage at the Wolf Performance Hall Oct. 20 to wow show goers with their artistic brilliance in London’s Got Talent, a judged competition to crown London’s best performance artist.

And it’s all in support of a local not-for-profit that offers hope, support, and guidance to single moms, helping them to get back on their feet, define their goals, and reach their dreams.

“This is our second year hosting the event and we are really excited,” says Ann-Marie Ricketts, founder of Single Women in Motherhood (SWIM), the organization behind the talent show. “We have great line up of local talent.”

During the festivities, which will be hosted by hip-hop celebrity S. Don Perion, three guest judges — actor Sam Shoebottom, Voices.com CEO Stephanie Ciccarelli, and singer Kate Channer will keep the show hopping.

The talent show winner will receive a cash prize of $1,000.

Proceeds from London’s Got Talent will go to support SWIM’s S.M.A.R.T. scholarship initiative, a series of cash awards distributed to single mothers who are pursuing post-secondary education. Award winners will be announced on Oct. 20 at the event.

In addition to the scholarship initiative, SWIM provides empowering programming in a safe and nurturing environment. Here women can receive life coaching, share their stories, take part in a mentorship program and receive short term child care while they attend a job interview or a doctor’s appointment.

“As a single mom, life can be overwhelming,” says Ricketts, who raised three children on her own, a journey that led her to found the organization. “So it is really all about taking little steps to make life more joyful.”

For single moms who often juggle numerous roles, completing personal goals can be very difficult. Time, money, and emotional resources usually go to the children first.

“We start, we stop, we start, we stop, and sometimes that makes us feel as though we are failures,” Ricketts says. “I always say: rest if you must, but don’t quit. No matter what you go through, don’t lose sight of your dreams.”

And Post-secondary education definitely provides a stepping-stone to a better life, as do many of the programs offered at SWIM, most of which are free of charge to participants.

“We see over 100 women each year, which adds up. That’s why we are so grateful to all of our sponsors,” says Ricketts.

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IF YOU GO

London’s Got Talent runs on October 20 at the Wolf Performance Hall. The performance begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. For more information on SWIM, and to purchase tickets for London’s Got Talent, please visit www.singlewomeninmotherhood.com or call the SWIM office at 519-432-5454.